Contribution Limits: An Overview

Updated April 20, 2009

States commonly place limits on contributions to candidates from various sources, and also on contributions to political action committees (PACs) and political parties. Just six states - Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah and Virginia - place no limits on contributions at all. Another seven states - Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Texas - have minimal contribution limits.  [NOTE:  New Mexico passed contribution limits in the 2009 legislative session.  They will take effect the day after the November 2010 elections.]

At least seven states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Montana, Ohio and Washington) index their contribution limits.  All seven states tie them to the Consumer Price Index.

Other common limitations are those placed on contributions to PACs and parties, limitations or prohibitions on contributions during the legislative session, and limitations on cash contributions and those made by minors.

You'll find 50-state data on all these limits under "50 State Charts" to the right.

For more information on campaign finance reform, contact Jennie Drage Bowser.